DIY Frozen Treats For Pets

Is your pet feeling the heat? When summer hits Aotearoa, our furry friends need help keeping cool too—and what better way than a frozen treat made with love. DIY frozen treats for pets are not only fun to make, they’re also a paw-some way to help your cat or dog stay hydrated, stimulated, and happy. At Petdirect, we get pets, and we know that homemade goodies can be just as tail-waggingly tasty as shop-bought treats, especially when you know what’s going in them.

Why Frozen Treats Are Great For Cats And Dogs

Frozen treats are more than a refreshing snack. They offer plenty of perks for your pet during warmer months or even just as a special reward:

• Cooling comfort: Helps regulate body temperature on hot summer days.
• Mental stimulation: Licking treats out of moulds or bowls keeps curious minds busy.
• Hydration support: Many frozen treats are water-rich, helping to boost hydration.
• Tailored nutrition: You get to choose the ingredients that suit your pet’s unique needs.

Need ideas for summer must-haves? Check out our pet summer essentials collection for even more ways to beat the heat.

Safe Ingredients To Use For DIY Frozen Pet Treats

When whipping up frozen snacks, it’s important to use ingredients that are pet-friendly and nutritious. Here are some safe options to include:

For Dogs:

• Plain Greek yoghurt (lactose-free is best if sensitive)
• Natural peanut butter (xylitol-free, always!)
• Bananas, blueberries, carrots, and apples (core/seeds removed)
• Bone broth (low sodium, no onion or garlic)
• Frozen cubes made with dog food toppers or NZ made dog treats

For Cats:

• Puréed plain cooked chicken, tuna in water, or salmon
• Cat-safe broth or milk replacers for hydration
• Freeze-dried treats softened with water, like freeze-dried options

If your pet has specific dietary needs, consider using supplements like skin & coat oils or digestive enhancers mixed into your frozen creations to boost nutrition.

5 Easy DIY Frozen Treat Recipes

Let’s get those paws dirty (metaphorically)! Here are a few simple recipes that your furry companion will love:

1. Peanut Butter & Banana Pup Pops

Blend 1 ripe banana with a tablespoon of unsweetened peanut butter and a few spoons of plain yoghurt. Pour into silicone moulds or ice cube trays and freeze overnight.

2. Brothy Ice Blocks

Pour pet-safe broth into ice cube trays. Pop in small liver or training treats before freezing for a meaty surprise.

3. Fishy Feline Cubes

Mix tuna in water with a splash of chicken broth or cat milk. Pour into trays and freeze—purrfect for hot afternoons!

4. Paw-licious Fruit Sorbet (For Dogs)

Puree watermelon or blueberries with plain yoghurt. Freeze in treat moulds or use a LickiMat for added enrichment.

5. Wet Food Frosty Treats

Scoop your pet’s usual wet food into a muffin tray. Freeze and serve as a cooling snack or enrichment activity.

Handy tip: Serve any of these in your pet’s own dog bowl or cat bowl to keep the treat contained and tidy.

Helpful Tools For Making Frozen Treats

Stock up your DIY treat-making station with these handy items:

• Pet-safe silicone moulds: There are loads of creative shapes available at homeware stores.
• Blender or food processor: Ideal for quick blending of soft ingredients and fruit.
• Portion-sized containers: Great for prepping multiple treats at once.
• Feeding accessories: Try a smart pet fountain or enrichment toy for interactive treat time.

For extra ease, consider using AutoDeliver so your pet's favourite foods and treats are always on hand when inspiration strikes.

Frozen Treat Safety Tips

Before serving up your homemade frozen treats, keep these important safety nuggets in mind:

• Introduce new treats slowly to avoid an upset tummy.
• Supervise treat time, especially with larger or crunchy frozen portions.
• Keep portion sizes small—these are supplements to their main diet, not replacements.
• Double-check ingredients are safe for your pet’s specific health needs.

And if you’re ever unsure, have a quick talk with your vet about what’s best for your pet—especially for those with allergies or sensitivities.